CALP Academic Grammar and Syntax

Question 1

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a subordinating conjunction in academic writing?

Accepted Answer

Although the study was limited, the results were significant.

Answer

A subordinating conjunction like 'although' introduces a dependent clause and should not be paired with a coordinating conjunction or conjunctive adverb in the same clause.

Question 2

In academic writing, a passive voice construction is most appropriate when:

Accepted Answer

The agent performing the action is unknown or unimportant.

Answer

Passive voice is preferred in academic contexts when the focus is on the action or result rather than on who performed it, especially in scientific writing.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses a relative clause to provide essential information?

Accepted Answer

The researcher who published the findings won an award.

Answer

An essential (restrictive) relative clause is not set off by commas and uses 'who' for people, identifying which specific researcher is meant.

Question 4

What is the function of a noun clause in the sentence 'The professor explained what the experiment demonstrated'?

Accepted Answer

It serves as the direct object of the verb 'explained'.

Answer

'What the experiment demonstrated' is a noun clause functioning as the direct object, receiving the action of the verb 'explained'.

Question 5

Which verb form correctly completes this academic sentence: 'The data _____ that the hypothesis was incorrect.'?

Accepted Answer

suggests

Answer

In academic English, 'data' is increasingly treated as a singular collective noun, so 'suggests' (singular) is the preferred form in formal academic writing.

CALP - Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency Practice Test

CALP - Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency Practice Test

CALP Academic Grammar and Syntax